Archive | May, 2006

“Just say no.” We all grew up with it. We know that we’re supposed to “say no” to drugs. Such efforts as education programs in schools, the war on drugs and tougher penalties for those involved with illegal drug use have targeted young people to deter them from drugs, which, no doubt, can have a devastating effect on their entire lives.

Refusing federal financial aid for drug possession/selling convictions, however, is an extreme step in drug deterrence and/or prosecution of criminal acts. Not only does the law single out one type of crime, but it also places that one crime above more serious ones, such as taking another’s life.

If this law is to remain as such, it needs to encompass more than just drug use as a reason to deny students federal financial aid. Perhaps anyone convicted of a felony crime should be denied aid. That would send the message that all crimes are wrong and anyone engaging in all forms of illegal behavior will have to pay more for a college education. Currently we’re only telling that to those involved with drugs.

Another reason this isn’t effective is because it is a self-reporting system. One can only hope that students asking for money would be honest and forthcoming with answers, but we don’t live in a perfect world. The form specifically asks if the student has any drug convictions and states that the question cannot be left blank, even though the U.S. Department of Education reported that about 260,000 were in 2000-01. However, it’s unclear as to whether or not blank responses are pursued, and, more importantly, no one double-checks each application to see if someone lied. If a student answers “yes,” a supplemental form is sent to fill out to determine how long aid is revoked. Otherwise, the application is processed.

The only convictions that are recognized under the law are by those who are tried as adults. So, much like the rest of juvenile records, you’d have better luck at breaching White House security than finding out what someone did prior to turning 18. As a society, we want to protect our children from being labeled at a young age so they may find the right path and lead healthy, successful lives. This follows suit with protocol for other juvenile records, but this law has juveniles praying for lenient judges if they are caught and only encourages 18-year-olds to watch their backs more carefully.

Also, so many students are entering college at the age of 17. If these students are not subject to this law, then all financial aid applicants will not undergo the same scrutiny, creating a system that is prejudiced to students over the age of 18.

This law is misguided in its narrow scope. Anyone convicted of drug charges are subject to some of the toughest sentences that the judicial system can and does deliver. Must we punish these young adults further and possibly hinder their chance at higher education? If we want to restrict illegal behavior by threatening harsher punishments or ineligibility, we must encompass more than just one single crime. What this says right now is that the government doesn’t mind giving federal financial aid to the guy that beats and rapes the girl in his study group, but the kid who sells in order to put himself through school is just out of luck. Apparently, that’s worse than any other crime.

Warm sunlight is beginning to stretch across campus but unfortunately, you’re still stuck deep in Memorial library, trying to dig your way out of a semester of procrastination. Your mind drifts from the hundreds of pages you are attempting to cram into your sleep-deprived brain to a lake in your own secluded corner of the world. The lake is smooth as glass, your feet are in the water and an ice cold Wisconsin beer is resting in your palm. A single sip will finish your trip to true relaxation, that state of Northwoods nirvana you have been dreaming of all spring.But what is in your hand? Will it satiate your thirst or send you running back into the cabin in search of something else, wanting something you can really savor?

You’re in luck! Beyond Busch Light will keep you on that dock. With this month‚ reviews, the only reason you’ll be running back to the cabin will be to refill the cooler and grab a few of your friends. This issue‚ beers include Leinie’s Sunset Wheat, Point Honey Light, Berghoff Heffe-Weizen and Lakefront Extra Special Bitter.

Leinenkugal’s summer specialty brew, Sunset Wheat, is the quintessential Northwoods summer experience, complete with a lake surrounded with pine trees right on the label. It has a light taste with a great summery citrus flavor that is native to wheat beer and the unique twist of natural coriander, definitely my pick for deck or dock enjoyment this summer.

Hailing from Steven‚ Point, Honey Light is a light lager with only a very slight tinge of Wisconsin honey. It‚ a decent light beer but it has a slightly sour aftertaste that definitely won’t have you jumping in the lake for joy. I wouldn‚ buy it again.

Lakefront Brewery, a stop on every respectable Marquette pub crawl, has numerous good offerings, but this month I chose their organic Extra Special Bitter. The ESB experience begins with a slightly sweet amber taste and ends on its characteristic bitter, but not unpleasant, taste.

After paying only $4.99 for my six-pack of Berghoff Hefe-Weizen, I was prepared to taste a beer that matched its price. Born in Monroe, Wisconsin, this beer is a solid unfiltered wheat beer with a smooth, slightly fruity taste that is well above its price point. Definitely this month’s best buy for taste and price. As this is the last issue of The Warrior and my last issue as your humble beer columnist, I would like to thank you for your readership and wish you a relaxing, fun-filled summer. I wish you all the utmost success, not only in your future brewlicious beerventures, but in your life and career as well.

Remember that girl in high school who got a brand new convertible every time she crashed the old one, was always on her studded cell phone whining about Daddy yelling at her not to wrack up so many minutes, spent every spring break on a tropical island with a name you still cannot pronounce and she never once had a job? I do.

Where is she today? Still in my hometown, living off of Mommy and Daddy???s handouts.Continue Reading

In the school year of 2003-2004, the Marquette University club rugby team had 35 members and not a single coach.

In the fall of this academic school year, Marquette University’s club rugby team celebrated its 30 year anniversary. The now 35 player team is anxious to continue its growth and progress. The highlight of this season was the team’s third place finish at the Mardi Gras Tournament in St. Louis. Next year they will have four coaches as well as eight returning seniors to lead the team.

“Hopefully for next season (next fall) we will have solid numbers at practice every day and we can make a run in the Wisconsin playoffs,” commented Tom Collins, a co-captain and junior in the College of Business Administration.

The team will have its work cut out for them due to the fact that they compete in one of the more competitive conferences in the Midwest.

“There are no easy games in the state of Wisconsin. We are a young team and need our younger guys to step up in the fall”, commented Ryan Hunter, co-captain and junior in the College of Communications.
With these goals in mind, the Marquette Rugby team has just purchased a new scrum set, similar to the equipment that football teams use to practice hitting. They owe the ability to invest in such equipment to the fundraising they did earlier this year. They’re working on similar opportunities that will insure future development.

“The improvement of our rookies this semester along with the new equipment we’ve purchased has raised the bar for the fall season,” said Drew McMillin, president of the Marquette rugby team and junior in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The team plays six to eight games each fall and spring season with roughly three home games hosted at King Field, located half a block north of 17th and Highland. In order to maintain high intensity during these games the team practices for a total of seven hours a week. This rigorous practice schedule is essential for such a complex game that many associate it with discipline, a strong work ethic and a tendency to be violent.

McMillin added, “with the talent of our players and the expertise of our coaches, we have the ability to win state next semester.”

New players are always welcome and are encouraged to show up at any of their practices. Mandatory practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The next home game for the Marquette Rugby squad will be August 26th, 2006 at 1:00pm at King Field. They always appreciative of their fan base, and welcome any new spectators.

After all the hard work the current members have invested, they hope to see it pay off in the fall. As stated by Collins, “this will be the last year for a lot of guys and I know I want to go out on top and bring a good name to the club and school.”